Shirley Ballas has teased that ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ fans will be "absolutely delighted" with the new judge.
The 58-year-old star – who heads up the panel of the hit BBC One show along with Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli – hinted the new judge who will replace Dame Darcey Bussell will definitely be a "perfect" fit for the show" as it appears they have already been chosen.
Appearing on ITV’s ‘Loose Women’ on Tuesday (28.05.19), she spilled: "Well I know that whoever the BBC are going to choose will be absolutely perfect for the show. I am sure there will be lots of surprises this series.
"We have a new Executive Producer, we have Rylan [Clark-Neal] on ‘It Takes Two’ and we are getting a new judge.
"Although for me, Darcey was like my queen. That lady held my hand the whole time and I have never laughed so much with another woman in all my life. She was amazing and she will be sorely missed for sure."
Teasing the retired ballerina’s replacement, she added: "I will fit with whoever they pick.
"I know they will pick the best person for the general public and to be on that show that fits in with everybody. You are all going to be absolutely delighted."
Shirley’s comments come after fellow judge Craig Revel Horwood stated the person who will join him, Shirley and Bruno will be someone who "can actually dance."
He said: "They did say it’s someone that can actually dance, it’s got to be someone opinionated."
Meanwhile, Shirley – who has been married twice to Sammy Stopford and Corky Ballas – also confirmed she has started seeing someone despite having previously lost confidence with dating.
She revealed: "I did ‘Matchmaker Mountain’ [on ‘This Morning’] which gave me a little bit more encouragement … I never thought I would find anybody in my life that I cared about again."
When asked why, she said: "Just past history and different men that you are with that gnaw away a little bit at your confidence and everything like that. So it’s more personal reasons, but yes I’ve met someone very nice and we are very happy."
Shirley Ballas: Strictly fans will be delighted with new judge
